Book description
Let's be honest-Who? by Algis Budrys isn't just a Cold War sci-fi thriller; it's basically the love child of The Manchurian Candidate and a paranoid robot convention. And somehow, it works brilliantly.
The story centers on Martino, a scientist who gets himself into a very unfortunate accident involving something called the K-88 (which sounds like either a washing machine or a doomsday device-we're never quite sure, and that's part of the charm). After said explosion, he winds up in Soviet hands for months. When he finally returns, he's not exactly the same guy who left. For starters, he's now sporting a shiny metal arm and a face that could make a Halloween mask cry. Cue the existential dread.
The big question-literally the title-is whether this metallic man is actually Martino or some kind of sinister Soviet replacement. Allied Security isn't taking any chances, and neither should you. Budrys takes what could've been a campy premise and turns it into a tense, philosophical mind-bender about identity, loyalty, and what makes us human-aside from, you know, our inconvenient fleshiness.
Originally published in 1958 and later adapted into a film (which, fair warning, is not nearly as good), Who? captures that deliciously paranoid flavor of 1950s sci-fi, where the real enemy might not be communism, but confusion itself. Budrys, a Hugo Award nominee with a flair for the cerebral side of pulp fiction, delivers a tight, thought-provoking narrative that doesn't waste time on melodrama or unnecessary exposition. It just gets right to the point-like a very philosophical bullet.
If you enjoy audiobooks that make you question your own eyeballs and possibly your government, Who? is a crisp, unsettling ride. Just don't look in the mirror afterward. You might start wondering who's looking back.
King Bass
Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Hang 11
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
Hoover Spark
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Sherm
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Austin Shamrock
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
Round Kick Boomer
With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Grave Scuttlebutt
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
Easy Mac
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Roadblock
πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Preach Man
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Rosie Bird
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Pitfall
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Gothic Gucci
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise.
Taz Ringer
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions.
Knight Light
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§ ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Star Jammer
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Grotas
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Pitfall Whiskers
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Snow Pharaoh
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ ππ Turn traffic into a literary escape β this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ππ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
High Woo
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience